This week in brief
Sportier new Octavia vRS
SKODA HAS released the first official images of the new Octavia vRS. The revised vRS features an updated front grille incorporating the vRS logo and new front headlamps. The chassis has been tuned to reflect the car’s sporty character, while ride height has been lowered compared to the standard Octavia.
The vRS comes with two engine options: a 200bhp 2.0-litre T FSI petrol unit and a 2.0-litre TDI diesel producing 170bhp, which has a claimed emissions level of 150g/km, giving it an annual motor tax bill of €302. Both are offered with the option of a six-speed manual or DSG transmission.
Skoda has also launched a facelifted Octavia Scout, powered by either a 1.8 TSI 160bhp petrol unit and a diesel 2.0 TDI 140bhp. Both are mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The all-wheel drive Scout has ground clearance of 179mm and has been restyled in line with the rest of the Octavia range.
Drop in Outlander price
MITSUBISHI has dropped the price of its entry-level Outlander model and its commercial derivative.
The Invite passenger version falls by over €6.000 from €36,144 to just €29,950, while the commercial version drops from €29,950 to €24,950 including VAT, a reduction of €5,000.
According to a statement from the firm: “The Outlander is already one of the most established and recognisable vehicles in the mid-size SUV segment.
“With this price change it’s now also one of the best priced.”
The move is aimed at stimulating sales in a segment that has been particularly hard hit by the downturn.
New fuel-efficient BMW X3 to launch in Ireland in June 2009
BMW is introducing a new lower-emissions version of its X3.
The new 2-litre diesel version has emissions of 165g/km and fuel consumption of 6.2 L/100km (45.6 mpg).
BMW is claiming its new X3 xDrive 18d has 143bhp and is the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle in its segment.
It has a 0-100 km/h of 10.3 seconds and has a top speed of 195 km/h.
With the new lower emissions level, it comes in with an annual motor tax bill of €447.
On sale in Ireland from June, prices are likely to be in the region of €50,000 to €55,000.